Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,243, Elijah Drake, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Drake, Elijah Phebe
N. 16243
CONTENTS

New York 28. 816
Elijah Drake
of Cayuga Co in the State of New York who was an Ensign in the Company command by Captain Boyce of the Reg't command by Col Drake in the New York line for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of June 1834 and sent to Hon R. Day House Reps
Arrears to the 4th of March '34 $ 240.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sep r 4 '34 40.00 $280.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Sam l H. Page Clerk. Book E Vol. 4 Page 97

1834 1755 74-8m200
Bucura
DRAKE, ELIJAH (N.Y) W-16243
0047 9 751 31 084 17 57 04 70 44 45 1 65

A Record of the Family of Elijah Drake and Phoebe Drake which was married March - 1 th - 1792
1834 1794 40 21 19
   Birth Date Death Date Year Died Place of Birth     Elijah Drake Oct 15 July 6 1834 1755   Phoebe Drake April 19 1768   John Drake Sept 30 1794   Anna Drake Sept 30 1794   Mary Drake June 3 1797   William Drake March 7 1799   Jehiah Drake May 7 1801   Mahalia Drake August 25 1808   Reuben Drake March 7 1807   Jane B Drake January 11 1809   William A Drake Jan 2 1821  

Increased from $30 to
Vol. 1. New York (Sec. 6) 1/2
Phoebe Drake
widow of Elijah Drake
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832 and who died on the 6. July 1834 of Cayuga Co. in the State of N. York who was an Ensign in the company com by Captain _____ of the reg't. command by Col. Drake in the N. York line for 8
Early
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836 Increased from $30 per annum
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of May 1840 and sent to R. Day Moravia, N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March '40 320.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 1/2 40.00 $360.00
{ Act July 7 } 1833. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book 1. Vol. 2. Page 75.

Elijah Drake
11751
Ensign 8 mo.
$80 per am
Adm? for 8 mo. as Ensign, Hon. R. Day having relinquished the claim for the the alleged same Hon. R. Day H R
Hon. R. Day H R

State of New-York, } Cayuga COUNTY, } ss.
On this 24 th day of September A. D. 1832
personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cayuga and state of New-York, now sitting, Major otherwise called Elijah Drake resident of Pepsinians in the County of Cayuga and State of New-York, aged 76 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832: — That he is the same person mentioned in the annexed Commissions, that on the first day of January A D 1777 he entered the service of the United States at the town of Stephen town in the County of Dutchess in the State of New York in the company of Militia commanded by Capt Reuben Drake in Colonel --- Brinkerhoff Regiment and marched with said company to Fort Independence in the State of New York where he remained until the last of April following, when he marched with said company to Cortland town in the County of Westchester in said State, where he was stationed with said company until the month of July following, and was engaged in Scouting thro the surrounding country. That immediately afterwards he was stationed at Crown-pond in said County, that while said company was stationed at said last mentioned place, it was divided into parties whose duty it was to go out in Scouting parties upon the lines. that he continued at and near said last mentioned place until the following winter. He further declares that in the Month of June A D 1778 he received the accompanying Insigns Commission and entered the service of the United States under the same in the Company of Captain Ebeneza Boyd in Col Samuel Drakes Regiment of Militia, that he continued to serve in said company in the County of

Westchester under the said Commission until he was appointed Second Lieutenant as appears by the accompanying commission, that his service was continued during the whole time, some times guarding the lines and at others in scouting parties. That on the sixth of March he was appointed Second Lieutenant in said Company as appears by the accompanying commission, that he continued to serve in said Company under the said Commission until the close of the Revolutionary War. That his services were all in and near the County of Westchester and were continued, that he some times served as a guard upon the lines, some times as a scout with scouting parties, and the remainder of the time was stationed at Crompond, that he was in a number of battles with the enemy but none of them are noticed in the history of the times. That he saw and knew during said term the following named officers to wit: Col. Shepard, Gen. McDougle, Maj. McDougle , Col. Sprout. Lord Sterling and others that he has no other proof of said services but the accompanying. That at the time of receiving said commissions he was called by the name of Major Drake, but that subsequently he was called by the name of Elijah Drake and is now called by that name, and so writes his name at present.

That his name was changed from Major to Elijah by him for his own accommodation and convenience Soon after receiving said Lieutenants Commission Since which time he has been called Elijah.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to an annuity or pension except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension list of any State or territory
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Isabel Fitch judge
Elijah his Drake mark
I further certify that your records before whom the above certificate was made was on the day of the date thereof and still is a justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are to be given to his acts in that capacity - that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said justice and believe his signature to the said certificate to be genuine - In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said County and subscribed my name the day of September A D 1832
C. M. S. Myers

We, Nathaniel Moore a Clugyman residing in Semppronius in the County of Cayuga and Joseph Stow residing in the same town do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Elijah Drake who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding declaration; that we believe him to be 76 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid 29 th day of August 1832 before me John Rooks justice of the peace Nathaniel L. Moore
Isabel Fitch
Joseph Stow
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary officer & Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that Nathaniel Moore who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clugyman resident in Semppronius and Joseph Stow who has also signed the same, is a resident in Semppronius aforesaid and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. and further that it appears to the satisfaction of said Court that the said applicant is the same person mentioned in the accompanying Ensign & Lieutenants commissions and who in said commissions is named Major Drake.
1. Michael Schuyler Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cayuga and State of New-York, do hereby certify, that the foregoing, contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Elijah Drake for a pension.
I further certify that John Rooks before whom the above certificate was made was at the time of the date thereof and still is a justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are to be given to his acts in that capacity - that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said justice and believe his signature to the said certificate to be genuine - In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court & County and subscribed my name the day of September A D 1832 M. S. C. Moore

State of New-York.
CAYUGA COUNTY, } ss. CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, William Richardson, Clerk of the County of Cayuga, Do hereby certify, that E. Smith Esquire, before whom the annexed last instrument in writing was proved or acknowledged, was at the time of taking said proof or acknowledgement a Judge of Cayuga County Court in and for said County, duly qualified: And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the signature to the annexed Certificate of proof or acknowledgement, to be genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, and subscribed my name this 10th day of December A. D. 1839
W Richardson Clerk
Subscribed before me the undersigned Court of common pleas in and for said county Phebe Drake a resident of the Town of Niles in the county of Cayuga aged sixty five years - who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the follow- ing declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of congress passed the 7th of July 1832 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows that she is the widow of Elijah Drake who was a pensioner in the army of the united states and she further declares that she was married to the said Elijah Drake at Pukehill in Rochester County by the Rev Ebenezer Gole on the first day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty two that her husband the aforesaid Elijah Drake died on the sixth day of July eight hundred and thirty four that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January nineteen hundred and thirty four - viz at the time above stated sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
E. Smith Judge of Cay Co courts
Have Phebe X Drake Mark
I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Phebe Drake and am satisfied that her declaration is well founded and is entitled to full credit and that she is not able from bodily infirmity to attend court for the purpose of making her said declaration
E. Smith Judge of Cay Co courts

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress of the 7 th July 1835 Entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.
State of New York, Cayuga County. On this twenty ninth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven personally appear- -red before me the undersigned one of the judges of the Court of common pleas in and for said county Phebe Drake a resident of the Town of Skane in the county of Cayuga aged sixty five years - who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the follow- -ing declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of congress passed the 7 th of July 1835 Entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. that she is the widow of Elijah Drake who was a pensioner in the Army of the United States and she further declares that she was married to the said Elijah Drake at Pukehill in Washington County by the Rev. Ebenezer Gole on the first day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty two that her husband the aforesaid Elijah Drake died on the sixth day of July eight hundred and thirty four that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January eighteen hundred and thirty four. Viz at the time above stated sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
E. Smith Judge of Cayuga courts
I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Phebe Drake and am satisfied that her declaration is well founded and is entitled to full credit and that she is not able from bodily infirmity to attend court for the purpose of making her said declaration
Here Phebe X Drake mark
E. Smith Judge of Cayuga courts

State of New York
Sayre County
On this 29 th day, November 1889 personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the judges of the said county courts William A. Drake and Mary Drake who after being duly sworn do depose and say that they are well acquainted with Phebe Drake the widow of Elijah Drake named in the annexed declaration and that the said Elijah Drake died on the sixth day of July 1884 and further that the said Phebe Drake still remains the widow of the said Elijah Drake deceased not having married since his death and the said William A. Drake further saith that he is 41 years old and the son of Elijah Drake deceased that in the family Bible which he had accustomed to use since he was capable of reading he has seen the record of the marriage of the said Elijah Drake and Phebe Arnold and it so stands to this day in the words and figures following-towit - "Elijah Drake and Phebe Arnold were married on the 12 th day of March 1792" and the said William A. further says that some 15 years since he copied the said record for his own use and still has it in his possession the same as above stated and that the said Elijah Drake was a pensioner at the time of his death - & further these deponents say not subscribed and sworn before me the day & year above written.
E Smith judge of say  co courts
William A. Drake Mary Drake
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named William A. Drake & Mary Drake and that they are people of truth and veracity and that their testimony is entitled to full credit.
E Smith judge of say  co courts

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 16243
Phebe Drake Widow of Elijah Drake Ensign Rev War
Act July 7 th 1838
Index: Vol. a , Page 196
[Arrangement of 1870.]

he People of the State of New York.
by the Grace of God, FREE and INDEPENDENT.
To Major Drake Gent m Greeting.
WE reposing especial Trust and Confidence, as well in your Patriotism, Con- -duct and Loyalty, as in your Valour and Readiness to do us good and faithful Service Have appointed and constituted, and by these presents DO Appoint and Constit- -ute you the said Major Drake Ensign of Captain [blank] [blank] [blank] [blank] [blank] in the Regiment whereof [blank] [blank] [blank] [blank]
YOU are therefore, to take the said Company into your charge and care as [blank] thereof and duly to exercise the Officers and Soldiers of that Company in Arms, who are hereby commanded to obey you as their [blank] and you are also to Observe and follow such Orders and Directions, as you shall from time to time, receive from our General and Commander in chief of the Militia of our said State, or any other your Superior Officer. Accor- -ding to the Rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the Trust reposed in you; and for so doing this shall be YOUR Commission, for and during our good pleasure, to be Signified by our Council of appointments. In Testimony whereof, we have caused our Seal for Military Commissions to be hereunto Affixed. Witness our Trusty and well beloved George Clinton [blank] our Governor of our State of [blank] [blank] [blank] Commander in chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the Navy of the same, by and with the Advice and Consent of our said Council of Appointment, at Poughkeepsie the Twenty Fifth day of June in the year of our Independence, and in the year of our LORD one Thousand Seven Hundred and eighty Eight
Passed the Secretarys Office June 2 d 1778
By His Excellency's Command.
Mr. R. Rancey Secretary.
[Handwritten signature: G. Clinton]

31 July 1870 the within named Major Drake was this day duly qualified by taking the oath of Allegiance and of office prescribed by Law
Richard Hatfield Clerk of the County of Westchester

The People of the STATE of NEW-YORK,
By the Grace of GOD FREE and INDEPENDENT;
To Majour Drake Gentleman GREETING.
WE reposing especial Trust and Confidence, as well in your Patriotism, Conduct and Loyalty, as in your Valour and Readiness to do us good and faithful Service, HAVE appointed and constituted, and by these Presents, DO appoint and constitute you the said Majour Drake
Second Lieutenant of the 1st. Regt. of the New-York Artillery into your Charge and Care as Second Lieutenant thereof, and duly to exercise the Officers and Soldiers of that Company in Arms, who are hereby commanded to obey you as their Second Lieutenant and you are also to observe and follow, such Orders and Directions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from our General and Commander in Chief of the Militia of our said State, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you; and for so doing, This shall be YOUR COMMISSION, for and during our good Pleasure, to be signified by our Council of Appointment. IN TESTIMONY whereof, we have caused our Seal for Military Commissions to be hereunto affixed. WITNESS our trusty and well beloved George Clinton Esquire our Governor of our State of New-York , General and Commander in Chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the Navy of the same, by and with the Advice and Consent of our said Council of Appointment, at Longkeepsie the Twenty seventh Day of February in the Third Year of our INDEPENDENCE, and in the Year of our LORD, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Nine .
Passed the Secretary's Office, March 6th 1779
By His EXCELLENCY's Command,
Abraham R. Vancheel Secretary.
DRAKE, ELIJAH (NY) W16243

5 April 1779 the within named Major Drake hath been duly Qualified by taking the Oaths of Allegiance and of Office prescribed by Law
Richard Hatfield Clerk of the County of Westchester

Letter to R. Day 27. April 1840
Albany 5205
Phoebe Drake
widow of Elijah Drake
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832 and who died on the 6. July 1834 of Cayuga Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Schoonhoven of the N.Y. commanded by Col. Strong in the Penns. militia line for 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 30 Dollars ————— Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of March 1840 and sent to R. Day Albany, N.Y.
  Arrears to the 4th of March 1840  120.00    Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep. "  15.00         $135.00  
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk. Book A. Vol. 2, Page 75.

Additional affidavit in the matter of the claim of Elijah Drake for a pension
Agent A Gould Salem N.Y.
12) 320 (26.66 74 57.05 80 53.32 72 3.76 80

State of New York
Cayuga County ss Serafonicus. Elijah Drake of Niles formerly in Said County being duly sworn deposes and says that during the revolutionary war he resided about eight miles from and in the immediate neighbour- hood of Crompond in the County of Westchester and State of New York, that he resided immediately upon the lines between the British and American armies so much so that it was impossible for him to attend to any civil employment with any degree of safety or profit. that some party of Col Drake's Regiment residing farther up in the County and more remote from the lines could attend to their ordinary business with more safety and consequently did not engage in said service except when regularly drafted or otherwise called into service to perform their regular tours of duty. that he the said Drake was not regularly ordered into service for the length of time mentioned in his declaration heretofore made by any law of the State or the United States but that he entered & continued in said service voluntarily, and from choice owing to the fact that he could not & should not have been engaged in his ordinary business without leaving his home and going back farther from the lines, and from the scene of constant skirmishing and depredation which was carried on at and near his residence. that his place of residence was so near Crompond, the general place of rendezvous of the American troops in that section of the country, a place where a greater or less number of troops were kept constantly stationed, that it would have been of but little use for him to engage in agricultural pursuits if he had been disposed to do so. that the country around Crompond was a constant scene of skirmishing carried on between detachments of the British troops and Americans

as they came in contact in ranging the country - That Col Samuel Drake lived about one half mile from the father house of this deponent - that Capt Boyd lived about four miles from Crompond & Major Strong lived in Crompond and also his Lieut Col John Heat. that Col Luddenton held the command of the troops at Crompond a good part of the time. He further says that the soldiers in his company were mostly or all volunteers like himself. and that there was no regular relief in the company under his command as in other militia companies. but that his company was kept fully volunteers who came in & filled the places of those who left said company. that said volunteers were not confined to the men living in the beat of his own company but many of them came in from other companies. He further says that his services were continued without any interruption during the whole time except once in a while when he would obtain leave of absence for a half day or a day to go home and visit his friends but that his whole term of absence as he believes as above stated would not amount to one month. that during the whole time of his service as Lieutenant as aforesaid he was a member of the board of court martial at Crompond and was frequently called upon to act upon the trial of delinquents for some misconduct either as soldiers or for holding unlawful intercourse with the enemy such as carrying them provisions, or giving them information of the movement of the American troops - that after the close of the war he was also a member of the board of court martial to try torys for their conduct during the war and that during his service as a member

of said last mentioned Court, was the first time according to his best recollection of his having signed his name "Elijah Drake" instead of "Major Drake" - that detachments or parties of troops were kept constantly on the lines to guard them and give notice of the approach of the enemy - that said parties were sent out from Crompond and were regularly relieved as he believes once in about three weeks - that he this deponent took his regular turn as commander of such guard but how many times he was so out he does not now remember - that when not so on guard he was frequently engaged in scouting through the surrounding country - that when not so engaged as aforesaid he returned to Crompond and continued stationed there until it became necessary to go out again - he further says that the country around Crompond was kept in a constant state of agitation and alarm by the depredations of the enemy who came out in small parties to plunder - and also by the depredations of the torys and cow-boys - And this deponent further says that he might go on and set forth different terms of service during said term for the purpose of giving satisfaction to the War Department, but that such statement would be as he believes an unjustifiable provocation and untrue in fact, and that he cannot consent to do so although he may be deprived of a pension by the means thereof - He further says that during the whole time there was equal need of a complete organization of troops in the winter as well as the summer - And that the incursions of the enemy were more frequent in the winter than in the summer

that Col Sheldons Regiment of horse were stationed part of the time about twelve miles from Crompond, and parties of said horse frequently patrolled the country around Crompond - He further says that he never was drafted, or served as a substitute for others - that he would probably have been drafted had he not continued voluntarily in service as aforesaid - that others of said Regiment only served when regularly drafted or called into service by authority and then continued in service until the time for which they were called into service had expired - that detachments of regular troops frequently stopped at Crompond and remained a short time, but that no such detachments were regularly stationed there for any length of time - that there was a Continental Regiment  squad stationed about four miles off for about six months at one time and Crompond was frequently visited by Continental officers -
Sworn & subscribed this 21 st day of March 1884 before me
Elijah his Drake mark
Chaney Abbott justice of the peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Elijah Drake & believe him to be a man of truth and veracity and that he cannot now write his name on account of a trembling of his hand - March 21 1884
Chaney Abbott

State of New York Cayuga County
Es I Michael Myers Clerk of said County do certify that the said Abbot before whom the foregoing affidavit was made was on the day of the date of the same a justice of the peace of said County that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said justice and believe his signa- ture to said affidavit and the foregoing certifi- cate to be genuine Witness my hand and seal of office the 22 d day of March 1834
M c Myers
There was a skirmish carried on between detachments of the British troops and Americans

State of New York
Cayuga County ss. Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County Elijah Drake who being duly sworn says that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his services but according to his best recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades. For one year I served as a private soldier. For eight months and a half I served as Ensign & for three years and five months I served as Second Lieutenant and for such service I claim a pension. And this deponent further says that the following are the reasons for and the circumstances attending the change of his name as mentioned in his said declaration. that Capt Reuben Drake mentioned in his said declaration was his brother and Col Samuel Drake was the commander of the Regiment was his uncle and that most of the company's soldiers and officers were his neighbors when at home. with whom he had long been familiarly acquainted so much so that when on duty or otherwise they were accustomed to call when they addressed him to call him Major instead of Ensign. or Lieut Drake or Mr Drake. that in consequence of this familiarity in addressing him by the name Major . officers from other parts who were unacquainted with his name were accustomed to make remarks something as follows when they heard him called Major. "Is that young man a Major? It would seem that, the Col Drakes Regiment ought to have an older, more experienced, & intelligent officer for a Major than that young man" That such remarks were generally made when not on duty and used to give him this deponent

unpleasant feelings. that from this time he had a desire to change his name. And this deponent further says that his Captain Ebenezer Boyd was a man of feeble health so much so that he was not competent to the fatigue of continued service and his superior officers talked of superceding him in the command of said company. that one  two years after he this deponent was appointed and commissioned Second Lieutenant of said company he held a conversation with Col. Samuel Drake in which said Colonel informed him that it was contemplated to induce said Capt Boyd to resign his commission & appoint this deponent to fill his place. that he this deponent then remarked to him that he had determined never to receive another commission in his present name of Majour . the col then asked him what name he proposed to assume in lieu of it. that he this deponent then remarked to him that a short time previous a cousin of this deponent had died whose name was Elijah Drake . that the name Elijah was a favourite name amongst the Drakes and that he deponent had concluded to assume the name Elijah. and that it was agreed between them that if a new commission issued to him it should issue to him as Elijah Drake . that this conversation became known generally to his comrades in arms. and from that time they commenced calling him Elijah instead of Majour. that he was pleased with the change for the reasons above stated. and from that time he has ever been called Elijah. And this deponent further says that the prospect of peace soon attend the affairs so that he was not appointed captain
That he was at that time about twenty four years of age had always been in service since

he became of age and had no business transactions of any kind which would render the change of his name in the least inconvenient to himself to prejudicial to others - that the foregoing is the manner in which his name was changed
And this deponent further says that the head quarters of the corps to which he belonged was at Crompond from which place detachments were sent down to and frequently below the lines that Crompond was a general place of rendezvous for the troops in that quarter and that he continued in said service all the time winter and summer from January 1777 until the fall of 1782. and that during that time his services were performed as aforesaid - that Crompond was immediately upon the lines and an armed force was constantly kept at that place
Sworn & subscribed the 27 th day of April 1833 before me Robert Cook Justice of the peace
Elijah Drake
I certify my opinion that the said Elijah Drake is a man of truth & veracity April 27 th 1833 R Cook
State of New York

unpleasant feelings. that from this time he had the right to change his name. And this deponent
State of New York Cayuga County
I Michael S Myers Clerk of said County do certify that Robert Cook before whom the foregoing affi= =davit was made was on the day of the date of the same a justice of the peace in & for said County that I am well acquainted with the hand= writing of said justice and believe his signature to said affidavit and the above certificate to be genuine Witness my hand and seal of office the 27 th day of April AD 1883.
M. S. Myers Clerk
For ... Toronto & Co William W Dean of ...

State of New York Cayuga County ss William W Dean of Genoa Genoa of said County being duly sworn says that he is aged seventy years. that he is well acquainted with Elijah Drake formerly called Major Drake who now resides in the town of Seneca in said County and was intimately acquainted with him during the Revolutionary war. that he was well acquainted with said Drake whilst he served as Ensign in the Company of militia commanded by Captain Ebenezer Boyd in Col Samuel Drakes Regiment, and was Second Lieutenant in the same company and Regiment. that he was a soldier in the same company during the whole time as he be- lieves that said Drake served as such Ensign and Lieutenant. that he was the drummer in said company, that said Drakes services were continued from the year 1778 until the close of the war. some times in guarding the lines, some times in scouting parties, and when not so engaged he was stationed the principal part of the time at Crompton in the County of Westchester in the State of New York - which was the general place rendezvous for said Regiment Sworn & subscribed this 19 th day of July AD 1852 before me John Grover Justice of the Peace William W Dean
I certify that the character of the said Wil- iam W Dean for truth & veracity is good John Grover Justice of the Peace

at this time. He had
State of New York
Cayuga County } ss
I Michael Schuyler Clerk of said County do hereby certify that John Grover before whom the within affidavit was made was on the day of the date thereof and still is a justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are to be given to his acts in that capacity, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said justice and believe his signature to the said affidavit to be genuine
In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said County and subscribed my name the _____ day of September A D 1832 M. S. Schuyler

State of New York Cayuga County } ss
On this 18 th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Jasper Drake of Genoa in said County and makes oath in due form of law that he is well acquainted with Elijah Drake of Senpronius in said County and was well acquainted with him during the Revolutionary War, that the said Elijah Drake is the same person who was appointed and commissioned an Ensign in the company of Captain Ebenezer Boyd in the year 1778, at the town of Catland in the County of Westchester and who served as such in Col Samuel Drakes Regiment until the year 1779 when he was commissioned Second Lieut in said company and continued to serve as such until the close of the war - that said Drakes name was changed from Major to Elijah soon after receiving said commission as Second Lieut for his own convenience - since which time he has always been called Elijah Drake and is now so called -
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Isahel Fitch
Jasper Drake
And the court declare their opinion that the said Jasper Drake is a man of truth and veracity Isahel Fitch judge

State of New York Cayuga County } I Elijah Drake of Genoa in said county do certify on oath that I have examined the foregoing affidavit of Jasper Drake and know the facts therein stated to be true Sworn & subscribed in open court the day & year aforesaid Elijah Drake Isahel Fitch judge
And the Court certifies that in their opinion the said Elijah Drake is a man of truth and veracity—
Isahel Fitch judge

V 6507 Thebe (Drake) N.Y.
out 7. July 38
M arried 1 March 1792 Husband and 6. July 1834
Col. Schuyler } Penn Capt. Schuyler } Militia Col. Dughe - New York Admitted
Admitted 9 months Admitted Ensign 8 months - $80.
R. Day wife Moravia

State of New York Cayuga County
Phoebe Covert of the town of Avers in said county of Cayuga being Duly sworn doth on her oath depose and say that she is 59 years old and was well acquainted with Elijah Drake and Phoebe Arnold previous to their marriage and was present when they were married which took place at Pechskill Ulster county in this state on the first day of March 1792 and has been acquainted with them ever since their marriage and further that the said Elijah Drake died on the sixth day of July 1834 and that the said Phoebe Drake has more married since the decease of her said husband Elijah Drake but still remains his widow - & further this deponent saith not subscribed & sworn before me this 29 th day of Nov 1839 E Smith Judge of Cayuga courts
Her Phoebe X Covert Mark
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Phoebe Covert and that she is a person of truth and veracity and that her testimony is entitled to full credit & belief E Smith Judge of Cayuga courts

State of New York Ontario County ss Jasper Drake now of Gorham in Said County being duly sworn says that he is aged Seventy one last September years and is now in the receipt of a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. that he is well acquainted with Elijah Drake of Seneca in the County of Cayuga and was well acquainted with him during the Revolutionary war, we both at that time lived in the same neighbourhood and belonged to the same company of militia at that time . The name of Said Elijah Drake was then Major Drake, by which name he continued to be called until nearly the close of the war when it was changed to Elijah as aforesaid and he has been called Elijah ever since. He further says that he knew well of the services of said Elijah Drake before his appointment as Ensign of Said militia company in Col Drakes Regiment and was in service with him during the time of his service as such Ensign and during the time of his service as Lieutenant of Said company. And this deponent further says that the service of Said Elijah Drake during said term was continued & uninterrupted that he lived in the immediate neighbourhood of Crompton the place of general rendezvous for the militia of that section of the country. that he lived immediately upon the lines above New York, and consequently could not safely attend to any civil employment if he had been so disposed. that the militia of Said neighbourhood were kept constantly embodied, and had their headquarters at Crompton, from which place parties were kept constantly scouting & ranging through the surrounding country to protect the inhabitants and their property from the depredations of the enemy. the Tories and cow boys. that the said Elijah Drake was constantly in said service as aforesaid as a faithful officer and in the opinion of this deponent served not less than four years as such during said war. And this deponent further says that Said place of rendezvous (Crompton) was a place of frequent

resort for continental officers, and that regular soldiers in small detachments were occasionally stationed there to assist the militia in guarding the lines. And this deponent further says that he is a relation of the said Elijah Drake and was then intimately acquainted with him - And further saith not.  Sworn to & subscribed the fifth day of February 1834 before me ————— Jasper Drake Azor Beldin Justice of the Peace
I certify my opinion that said Jasper Drake is a man of truth & veracity Dated January February 1834
In the State of New York and County of Ontario having the  justices Azor Beldin Justice
State of New York Ontario County } ss
I, Charles Crane, Clerk of said county, do certify, that Azor Beldin before whom the foregoing affidavit was made & by whom the foregoing certificate was made, was on the day of the date of the same a justice of the peace of said county, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said justice and believe his signature to said affidavit & certificate to be genuine. Witness my hand and seal of office the tenth day of February 1834.
Charles Crane.
Clerk's fees gratuitous.

State of New York
Cuyahoga County } ss.
William H. Dean of Genoa in said County being duly sworn deposes and says, that he is aged seventy one years, and is now in the receipt of a pension of eighty eight dollars per annum under the Act of June 7 th 1832. That he is well acquainted with Elijah Drake of Sempsonian in said County, and was well acquainted with him during the Revolutionary war, that he and the said Elijah Drake at that time both resided in the same neighbourhood, in the town of Gantland, in the County of Westchester and State of New York, that he well remembers when the said Elijah Drake was called Major Drake, and when his name was changed from Major to Elijah, that he this deponent was a soldier in the same company with the said Elijah and under his command, he well remembers serving with Elijah before he received his commission as Ensign in said company and served with him whilst he was such Ensign until his appointment as Lieutenant and served with him whilst he served as such Lieutenant, and this deponent further says that the name of said Elijah Drake was not changed until after his appointment as Lieutenant and that said Elijah held his commission, and and was named in them Major Drake as he then and has always since understood - And this deponent further says that the services of said company were continued, and that said company was all the time in service whilst said Elijah served as such officer, That they lived so immediately upon the lines that it was impossible to attend to any kind of civil employment, and that he this deponent did not pretend to attend to any - That they lived near Crompond the place of general rendezvous for the militia, where also were

Frequently stationed continental and other troops, that scouting parties were frequently and constantly going out to scout below the lines, and also through the mountains for torys and cow-boys, that the said Elijah Drake as this deponent believes always performed his duty faithfully and as a good soldier and as deponent sincerely believes must have served as much as four years continual and active service
Sworn & subscribed this 7th day of February 1834 before me
William W. Dearn
Thomas Chadwick justice of the Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with said William W. Dearn, and that he is a man of truth & veracity as I sincerely believe.
Thomas Chadwick justice of the Peace
State of New York
Cayuga County } ss. Elijah Drake of Geneseo in said County being duly sworn deposes and says that he is aged sixty one years last March. That he is well acquainted with Elijah Drake of Seneca Falls in said County, and was well acquainted with him during the Revolutionary war, that he at that time resided in the same neighborhood in the town of Can'tland in the County of Westchester and State of New York, that he well remembers when the said Elijah Drake was called Major Drake, and when his name was changed from Major to Elijah, and has always understood that to be the case ever since.
Elijah Drake
Subscribed and sworn this 7th day of February 1834 before me
Thomas Chadwick justice of the Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with said Elijah Drake and that he is a man of truth and veracity as I sincerely believe
Thomas Chadwick justice of the Peace

Affidavits in the matter of Elijah Drake for a pension
Agent
A Gould
Auburn
N.Y.

State of New York
Cayuga County Ss - Smith Covert of Niles in said County being duly sworn deposes and says, that he is fifty five years of age and is well acquainted with Elijah Drake of said County the applicant for a pension under the act of June 7 th 1832. That he became personally acquainted with said Elijah Drake thirty three years ago - that at that time the said Elijah shewed him the commissions under which he the said Elijah served during the Revolutionary war - that said commissions were issued to Major Drake and this deponent upon inquiry learned from said Elijah that his name was formerly Major. But that he had changed it to Elijah some time during the war - that he has ever since understood such to have been the fact, and it is a matter of general notoriety amongst his friends and relations that such was the fact. He further says that he has always understood that said Elijah was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and served most of the time during said war. that he has never heard the fact doubted by any one and has no doubt of it himself, from reports
Sworn this 8 th day of Feby 1834 before me
Smith Covert
H Tiffey
Justice of the Peace
I certify my opinion that the said Smith Covert is a man of truth & veracity
H Tiffey Justice of the Peace

State of New York Cayuga County } ss
I Michael S Myers Clerk of said County do certify that Thomas Chadwick & Henry Dift before whom the foregoing affidavits were made, and by whom the foregoing certificates were made were on the days of the several dates of the same two of the justices of the peace of said County - that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said justices and believe their respective signatures subscribed to said affidavits and certificates to be genuine Witness my hand and seal
of office the 12 th day of February AD 1834
M. S. Myers.

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent. per annum, viz :
  1 st July 1780 Elijah Drake Lieut. £ 23 0 8     
STATE OF NEW-YORK, COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, Nov 4 th 1845.
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 7 now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz :
  First—under Capt. Ebenezer Boyd in Col. Sam l Drake Regt.   Second " " " " "   Third " " " " "   Fourth " " " " "   Fifth " " " " "   Sixth " " " " "   Seventh " " " " "   Eighth " " " " "   Ninth " " " " "   Tenth " " " " "   Eleventh " " " " "   Twelfth " " " " " 
Philip Phelps Compt r

32
FREE
Col. J. L. Edwards Comd. Pensions Washington D.C.

Moravia N.Y. 14 Dec 1839
J. S. Edwards Esq
Sir
I send you herewith the declaration of Phebe Drake asking for a Pension. You will probably recollect the circumstance of your granting a pension to me for Elijah Drake her Husband. — Mr Drake however died before the certificate reached him, and his certificate has been returned to your office. Your early attention will confer a great favor on Mrs Drake as she is poor & needy
I am Sir Respectfully Your friend
R. Day

Ovid Nov 7 th 1845
Sir
I enclose Compt of N. Y. Cert s of Service of Elijah Drake, supposed to be the Service of Elijah Drake who was furnished as a private of this State, & who died July 1834 - I respectfully ask if there is not due to the children an in- crease of pension from 4 March 1831 to the day of his death - Hon J S Edwards Compt of Pensions Washington D.C. Respectfully Your Obed Servt Arad Joy

11.9
333
White Brake
J. L. Edwards Esq Com d Pensions Washington D.C.

Moravia N.Y. 18 March 1840
J. L. Edwards Esq
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 11 th inst. was rec d yesterday, and in answer I herewith enclose you the Original Family Records, in the case of Phoebe Drake widow of Elijah Drake,
And am Sir Very Respectfully Your O bl d Servant R. Day

FREE
L. Edwards Esq Genl. Pensions Washington D.C.

21 April 1840 NY
Pub. Duke

Moravia N.Y. 20 Aprie 1840
J. L. Edwards Esq Sir
I rec d . a few days since from you, the pension certificate of Phebe Drake Widow of Elijah Drake giving her Thirty dollars per Annum. I believe Elijah Drake her Husband drew Eighty dollars per year, The difference in amount is so great I concluded there might be some mistake in filling up the certificate, and Mrs Drake is anxious to know why it is that she does not draw as much as her Husband, Will you have the goodness to let me know why the difference is made, or if it is a mistake I will return the certificate for correction
I am Sir very Respectfully Your friend R. Day

Mar 11. 1846 Moravia N.Y. 5 March
See
Phila. Drake,
Col J. L. Edwards Com d g Pensions Washington D.C.

Moravia N.Y. 5 March 1840
Col. J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 19 th ultimo in relation to case of Phoebe Drake widow of Elijah Drake, was duly received, but from its ambiguity I am at a loss to know exactly what is wanted to perfect the claim, The declaration of Mrs Drake, and the Affidavit of Mrs Covert who was present at the Marriage both agree in fixing the date on the 1 st of March 1792 and the Family record a Copy of which was sent confirms their statements, (if my recollection of the case is correct.)
If a supplemental declaration is necessary, a copy or a copy of the whole Family record, as to births, baptisms &c is wanted we will furnish it with pleasure, please have the goodness to state what proof is necessary to establish the claim and if it can be had it shall be furnished,
I presume you are aware that no legal provision existed in this State in 1792 requiring a record of marriages in Town or County Offices, and consequently we have no public records to apply to in such cases.
Your early answer is respectfully solicited
I am Sir very Respectfully Your Friend R. Day

Payment to be made at Albany by T. W. O'Leott, Esq. Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of Albany
Payable on the 4th March and 4th September in each year.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A. Vol. 2.
Page 75 by
D. Brown,
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Five years' Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Phebe Drake, of the State of New York widow of Elijah Drake - - - - - who was a Private in the War of the Revolution - and died on the - 6 th - - day of July 1832 - - - is entitled to receive five years' pension at the rate of Thirty - dollars and - - - - - cents per annum, commencing on the fourth day of March, 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this twenty seventh day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty.
Examined and } Countersigned. }

A Pay Roll of Ebenezer Boyd capt. commencing July 1 st 1780 a guard on the North River in Westchester County
Elijah Drake Lt.
£21..9..0
Comptrollers Office Albany Nov. 4 th 1845
I certify the preceding to be a true extract from a Revolutionary document now remaining in this Office
Philip Phelps Dep. Comp.

Mexico 6 May
WEE
May 9. 1880
5205 Phoebe Drive
J. L. Edwards Esq Genl. Pensions Washington D.C.

Moravia N.Y. 6 May 1840
A. S. Edwards Esq
Sir
In compliance with Your Letter of the 27 th Ult. I enclose you herewith the pension certificate of Mrs. Phebe Drake Widow of Elijah Drake, for Correction, — the certificate of Mr. Drake was $80 per Annum
I am Sir very Respectfully Your Olt. Servant.
R. Dagg

101 Lawrence Street Pontiac, Michigan
May 20 1898.
U.S. Pension Office, Munro.
I wish to get the record of Elijah Drake who was a pensioner of the Revolutionary War. resided till 1821 in Scipio N.Y. then in Perry for a time and then in Royal Oak Michigan

101 Lawrence Street Pontiac, Michigan
May 20 1898.
U.S. Pension Office,
Messrs.
I wish to
get the record of Elijah Drake who was a pensioner of the Revolutionary War. resided till 1821 in Scipio N.Y. then in Perry for a time and then in Royal Oak Michigan

where he died in 1848.
What records the government have of him I am very de- sious of getting, so will you please inform me of the proper course to obtain information.
Resp y ,
Lillian D. Avery (Mrs A.B.)